NPP slams Govt for disparity in mineral royalty

SHILLONG: The Garo Hills regional committee of the National People’s Party has criticised the State Government for its “discrimination” in distributing royalty from minerals.
In a statement, the party’s spokesperson, James K. Sangma, said the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council has got Rs 7.14 lakh in royalty from minerals, much lower that what the two other councils have received. The Mining and Geology Department released over Rs 38.04 crore on March 31. The KHADC and the JHADC have got over Rs 19.5 crore and Rs 18.46 crore, respectively.
“We condemn this discriminatory attitude of the Mukul Sangma-led Congress Government for sanctioning just a mere Rs 7,14,114 to GHADC, which was an example of disparity when compared to the amount sanctioned to the Congress-led EC of the KHADC and the JHADC,” read the statement that was issued after the NPP committee’s meeting last Friday.
The meeting unanimously resolved to seek “justice”. It wants a clarification from the Government on why the GHADC was given less amount at the time when it is facing financial crisis. NPP also condemned the Government decision  to close down stone quarries only in West Garo Hills. The party will urge the Government to allow sale of stone materials for local consumption. It will also take up the issue of water crisis in several parts of Garo Hills.